February marks Black History Month and the celebration of community media all over the world. On February 10th, Paper Tiger Televisioncelebrated 30 years, February 13th marked World Radio Day and February 15th activists celebrated Media for the 99% Day. The independent media movement is burgeoning. With the acceleration of media consolidation and threats to community and independent media, the passage of the Local Community Radio Act in December 2010 is groundbreaking and will allow for hundreds of communities to own their own radio station. The ongoing debates around new media technologies and the Internet replacing traditional mediums like radio and Community Access television obsolete is erroneous. The truth is that there is no real divide between 'old' and 'new' media. Regardless of the medium, local communities, organizers, mediamakers and culture workers are using the Internet, Community Access TV, radio, and print to organize and reach out to their neighbors and members to advance social justice and civil rights. In fact, radio is still the medium of choice around the world as it's recognized as a low cost medium, specifically suited to reach remote and poor communities.

This February digital dialogue will feature local and national media organizations that will share their perspectives on the importance of community media and shed light on this false divide between 'new' and 'old' media. Participants will be encouraged to think about this false division and share local stories and examples.